POISE Synonyms: 121 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'poise' different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of poise are address , savoir faire , and tact . While all these words mean "skill and grace in dealing with others," poise may imply both tact and address but stresses self-possession and ease in meeting difficult situations. // answered the accusations with unruffled poise

Q: When would 'address' be a good substitute for 'poise'?

The words address and poise can be used in similar contexts, but address stresses dexterity and grace in dealing with new and trying situations and may imply success in attaining one's ends. // brought it off with remarkable address

Q: When can 'savoir faire' be used instead of 'poise'?

The words savoir faire and poise are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, savoir faire is likely to stress worldly experience and a sure awareness of what is proper or expedient. // the savoir faire of a seasoned traveler

Q: Where would 'tact' be a reasonable alternative to 'poise'?

The meanings of tact and poise largely overlap; however, tact implies delicate and considerate perception of what is appropriate. // questions showing a lack of tact

poise 1 of 2

noun

ˈpȯiz

Definition of poise next

as in equilibrium

a condition in which opposing forces are equal to one another there must be a poise between the rights of the individual and the rights of society

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in posture

a general way of holding the body the woman's poise suggested that she was accustomed to having her wishes carried out promptly and without question

Synonyms & Similar Words

poise

2 of 2

verb

ˈpȯiz

as in to brace

to prepare (oneself) mentally or emotionally the disgraced business executive poised herself for the difficult press conference

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to hover

to rest or move along the surface of a liquid or in the air the falcon poised in the air for an instant before diving to attack its prey

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word poise different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of poise are address, savoir faire, and tact. While all these words mean "skill and grace in dealing with others," poise may imply both tact and address but stresses self-possession and ease in meeting difficult situations.

answered the accusations with unruffled poise

When would address be a good substitute for poise?

The words address and poise can be used in similar contexts, but address stresses dexterity and grace in dealing with new and trying situations and may imply success in attaining one's ends.

brought it off with remarkable address

When can savoir faire be used instead of poise?

The words savoir faire and poise are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, savoir faire is likely to stress worldly experience and a sure awareness of what is proper or expedient.

the savoir faire of a seasoned traveler

Where would tact be a reasonable alternative to poise?

The meanings of tact and poise largely overlap; however, tact implies delicate and considerate perception of what is appropriate.

questions showing a lack of tact

Examples of poise in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The hair and the face and the poise unscathed from the nefarious effects of alcohol. —

Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2024 Advertisement Foster praised Martin’s poise against the Nittany Lions while completing 22 of 30 passes for 167 yards and one touchdown with no interceptions. —

Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2024

Verb

Recorder faces write-in challenger Recorder Dana Lewis appeared poised to run unopposed until Supervisor Kevin Cavanaugh filed paperwork to run for the seat as a write-in candidate in August. —

Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024 The financial markets will watch the results of the 2024 U.S. presidential election closer than most, poised to react as soon as a winner begins to come into focus—and so, too, the future path of American economic policy. —

David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for poise

Recent Examples of Synonyms for poise

Noun

While unlawful crossings remain low, some U.S. officials are concerned the presidential election could disturb the fragile equilibrium achieved at the southern border in recent months.

Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 1 Nov. 2024
There is no chemistry there of any sort that is really out of equilibrium with the environment, Mojzsis, a professor at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, told me.

Bruce Dorminey, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024